Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Subtypes. Transitions over Time.

Background: Although subtypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are recognized, it is unknown what happens to these subtypes over time. Our objectives were to assess the stability of cluster-based subtypes in patients with stable disease and explore changes in clusters over 1 year.

Methods: Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were used to evaluate data collected from 543 stable patients included consecutively from 5 respiratory outpatient clinics.

Influence of changes in physical activity on frequency of hospitalization in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background And Objective: To evaluate whether changes in regular physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affect the rate of hospitalizations for COPD exacerbation (eCOPD).

Methods: Five hundred forty-three ambulatory clinic patients being treated for COPD were prospectively identified. PA was self-reported by patients, and the level was established by the distance they walked (km/day) at least 3 days per week.

BODE-Index vs HADO-score in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Which one to use in general practice?

Background: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is used to diagnose and establish a prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using multi-dimensional scores improves this predictive capacity.Two instruments, the BODE-index (Body mass index, Obstruction, Dyspnea, Exercise capacity) and the HADO-score (Health, Activity, Dyspnea, Obstruction), were compared in the prediction of mortality among COPD patients.